I clicked expecting to be called out, but instead, I was pleasantly surprised to find out I don't do many of these anymore. Now I just need to get my writer friends to give me actual critique...even if their boundless positive support is always so comforting to hear, lol

For the most part, good tips. I'd like to address a few grey areas or caveats. The first is concerns vagueness. While it's true that vagueness is often a sign of clumsy and careless writing, it can shade into ambiguity. Or rather: ambiguity, in the hands of a skilled poet, can be that much more powerful because the poem then allows for multiple interpretations. One can just as easily miss the mark by being too clear (which can make the poem one-dimensional). A good poem, while generating certain clear meanings on a first reading, must nonetheless contain some elusive (and seductive) quality that compels multiple readings. Of course, if you'd like to claim that vagueness and ambiguity are distinct terms, I'm willing to go along with that. Second, while a poet can indulge in excessive abstractions (a no-no), the use of abstractions, if handled properly, can be effective. You concede this point, which I appreciate. I would only emphasize that while concrete poetry is fine (I've written much concrete poetry myself), it doesn't automatically take precedence, just as realistic paintings of Rembrandt, say, don't take precedence over the works of Kandinsky or Picasso. So concrete poetry, rather than serving as some universal standard, might speak to a simple preference on the part of a reader.The poems of Wallace Stevens are frequently quite abstract, but he handled abstractions expertly and originally. It would be silly to fault him for not providing concrete, realistic descriptions as Robert Frost and Elizabeth Bishop have done. The Tao Te Ching is extremely abstract, and in my view, one of the greatest, profoundest poems ever written. So the real issue is not so much abstractions themselves as it is the skill (or lack thereof) with which one introduces and handles them. As for mixed metaphors, while you're correct in suggesting that beginners had better steer clear, that mixed metaphors are usually signs of inept writing, I can nonetheless come up with situations/instances in which, surprisingly, they'd work. But that's a topic for another day perhaps.

Love the video! I just want to add: the reason old poets were able to get away with twisting syntax in order to make things rhyme was because, in the past, there was a wider range of syntax and grammar that was considered idiomatic. In Shakespeare's time, the inversions that he used would not have been seen as quaint or artificial, but simply as a natural variation. You can see something similar in rap music nowadays, where MCs are able to create breath-taking multisyllabic rhymes and assonances that push the language to the next level by really twisting the words around. In the hands of good rappers, these twists on pronunciation don't sound artificial at all, since they are rooted in the African American vernacular, so once again the poetic usage doesn't depart too far from idiomatic usage as to lose touch with real life.

Good advice. Background music is a bit loud though

I have to say I am really confused because I find so many famous poets being sooo vague, like use third person like "she is ...whatever". I have seen soo many poets do that and I never saw anything wrong. I also have read so many famous poets that leave you feeling confused about what you just read. so I am really confused about what "good" poetry actually is because I have seen famous poetry and simply don't find it pleasant to read at all.

I'm such a fan of your chanel. Your content is a bit of me!! So much love from the UK ❤

I'm so happy I found your channel

Hi Emily, I realize this video is from 2 years ago... but i was really diggin it... and then it seemed to cut off at the end... I was waiting for you to "get extremely harsh" and then nothing! LOL Does the rest of this video exist anywhere? thanks! a new fan, Joey

I prefer no side music in tutorial/info videos. Hard to listen to you with the music blaring away. I often just give up watching info videos that unselectively have music blaring throughout.

i think using tropes and simplicity is my issue with a lot of poets , like i hate simplicity and yeah my first decade writing poems was an absolute mess and most of it was garbage, which i put to the fire. i just can't find any poets that challenge me, especially younger ones my age. or especially younger. ordered your book today, hope i don't hate it.

Using rhyme in poetry is not difficult.There is a trick to it.

My new poetry collection, GHOST HOUSE: amzn.to/3qLs5xM

You deserve so many more subs!

@EmilyButler

3 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you!! That's very kind!

quite basic advice....but you are wonderful ;)

Do you have any examples of mixed metaphors used well?

@EmilyButler

2 жыл бұрын

I guess that depends on what you mean by used well. Here's the dictionary definition of a mixed metaphor: a combination of two or more incompatible metaphors, which produces a ridiculous effect. So, mixed metaphors are by definition incompatible, or illogical, or ridiculous. They can be funny, that is the upside of them I suppose. I would welcome any examples of a mixed metaphor having an effect other than humor. I really don't think it's advisable to mix metaphors. I can't think of a reason why it would be better to blend two metaphors together, than it would be to separate them into their own stanzas, where they can each be given their due explanation / elaboration.

beware of the feedback or critical appraisal of fools

A simile is like a metaphor! Some good points, but poems really should rhyme, otherwise what's the point. Just write short fiction instead.

@holydiver7325

3 жыл бұрын

I think metre is way more important. There is a great distinction between a metric poem that doesn't rhyme and short fictions. Then of course rhymes only do work if connected with a metric construction, otherwise they sound very forced.

@dialecticsjunkie7653

3 жыл бұрын

I think poems need to have rhythm. That doesn't necessarily mean strict meters with feet that are named after Greek terminology. For example, Walt Whitman's free verse don't really have meter (although it's clear he's familiar with metrical devices), but they most definitely have extremely powerful rhythms that have an iron-clad internal logic. Rhyme is not necessary -- many cultures (including the English language) have had good poetry without rhyme. But I find it hard to think of truly great poetry without rhythm.

@lordfreerealestate8302

3 жыл бұрын

We need to ditch this notion that all poems should rhyme. Neruda, Plath, Billy Collins - all unrhyming.

@carbonc6065

2 жыл бұрын

?!

@performancephd1547

2 жыл бұрын

Most Poetry throughout history and across cultures doesn’t rhyme.

Don’t use a terrible comic to make your point please.

Nice pieces of advice, but beware to follow some of them too strictly. The whole point is that you can do many of these "wrong" things if you are aware and know that you are doing them on purpose. For instance, cliches and sayings, you can use them depending on the context and the intention. Rhyme... I have seen many poets here on youtube bashing rhyme, like something silly, outdated, childish and cheese, singsongy, etc. I couldn't disagree more. You can add a lot of irony and humor by using rhyme and even can use it in an apocryphal way, or just in a proper dose and it will sound great. But anyways, I understand that since these advices are for beginners the warning is necessary.